Why Prostitution Shouldn’t Be Legal

Evidence For Holding Buyers Accountable

The idea that legalizing or decriminalizing commercial sex would reduce its harms is a persistent myth. Many claim if the sex trade were legal, regulated, and treated like any other profession, it would be safer. But research suggests otherwise. Countries that have legalized or decriminalized commercial sex often experience a surge in human trafficking, pimping, and other related crimes.

Prostitution, regardless of whether it’s legal or not, involves so much harm and trauma it cannot be seen as a conventional business.


Prostitution and human trafficking are forms of gender-based violence.

Legalizing or decriminalizing prostitution has not decreased the prevalence of illegal prostitution.

Legalization or decriminalization has not reduced the stigma faced by prostituted people.

Legalization or decriminalization increases human trafficking.

Attempts to regulate prostitution have failed and adherence is low.

Legalization and decriminalization promotes organized crime.

The Nordic Model (criminalizing the act of buying sex, but legalizing the act of selling sex) has lowered the prevalence of street prostitution.

L.C. Nøttaasen

The Nordic Model has prevented an increase in prostitution overall.

Prostituted individuals often come from vulnerable populations and lack other options, while most sex buyers do not.